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20+ Instant Pot Indian Lentil Recipes

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Here is my collection of Indian lentil recipes made in an Instant Pot. This must-try recipe collection includes recipes for not only dal but also soups, khichdi, and desserts!

A collage of nstant pot lentil recipes.

Indian Lentil Recipes

Lentils or dal is a staple in an Indian household and is made almost every day. The way dal is made varies from state to state in India. Not just that, there are different versions of dal in different regions of a state.

Recipe FAQs

Do lentils need to be soaked before cooking in an Instant Pot?

No. Lentils do not need to be soaked before pressure cooking. However, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt and pick any stones that they may have.

How long does it take for lentils to cook in Instant Pot?

It depends on the type of lentil. For example, yellow lentils (moong dal) needs 5 minutes, whereas pigeon pea lentil (toor dal) needs 8 minutes. Check individual recipes for cooking times.

What is the lentil-to-water ratio in Instant Pot?

As a general guide, you can use the lentil-to-water ratio of 1:3. Check individual recipes for more details.

Vegan Dal Recipes

Dal (or dhal) is a staple in every Indian household and is made almost every single day. Plain steamed rice served with dal and vegetables is so comforting and delicious.

From the popular dal fry to the lesser-known cabbage dal, find some unique recipes here. These Indian lentil recipes are a great way of sneaking in vegetables and greens for picky eaters.

Instant Pot Dal fry

Instant Pot dal fry.
Dal fry is a popular Indian dish made from lentils cooked with spices and herbs. In this recipe, I am using toor dal (yellow split pigeon pea) to make it.
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Instant Pot Chana dal

Instant Pot chana dal.
Instant Pot Chana Dal is a flavorful and nutritious dish made with split chickpeas. This creamy dal is naturally gluten-free and vegan. The combination of chana dal and fragrant spices creates a delightful lentil curry that can be enjoyed with rice, bread, or as a standalone meal.
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Cabbage Dal

Cabbage dal.
Cabbage dal is a wholesome dal made with green cabbage. This yellow dal is made using toor dal (arhar dal or pigeon pea). When made in an Instant Pot, this dal is ready in 20 minutes (with less than 5 minutes of hands-on time).
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Ridge Gourd Dal

ridge gourd moong dal.
Easy and delicious dal made with ridge gourd and moong dal (petite yellow lentils). When made in an Instant Pot, this vegan and gluten-free dahl is ready in less than 20 minutes, with just 5 minutes of hands-on time. Pairs well with steamed rice and any curry of your choice.
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Bottle Gourd Dal / Bengali Lau Dal

bottle gourd dal.
Bengali-style lau daal made with bottle gourd is so full of flavors and easy to make. Made with petite yellow lentils or moong dal, this lauki dal is absolute comfort food.
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Methi Dal (Fenugreek Leaves Dal)

Instant Pot methi dal.
Methi dal is a hearty and wholesome dal made with methi leaves (fenugreek leaves). This yellow dal is made using toor dal (arhar dal or pigeon pea).
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Whole Masoor Dal (Sabut Masoor Dal)

Instant Pot whole masoor dal.
Discover the flavors and simplicity of whole masoor dal cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot.
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Green moong dal

Mung bean curry.
Green moong dal curry is wholesome, hearty, and rich in flavor.
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Bottle Gourd Curry / Lauki Chana Dal Sabzi

bottle gourd curry.
This lauki chana dal sabzi is a must-try if you are looking for a delicious vegan curry that is easy to prepare and wholesome. Made in the Instant Pot, it is a quick and convenient meal perfect for meal prep and is freezer-friendly.
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Soup Recipes

These lentil soup recipes are healthy, delicious, and easy to make. These protein-rich soups are a great way to stay warm on cold nights and come together quickly. Simple ingredients and spices are used in these soups, and they are perfect for the entire family.

Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

Naan dipped in soup.
Mulligatawny soup, a creamy and rich curried soup with origins in South Indian cuisine, has been adapted to appeal to Western tastes. With the help of an Instant Pot, this creamy and flavorful soup can be ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
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Millet Soup

millet soup.
Millet soup is a delicious soup made with foxtail millet. Made in an Instant Pot, this soup is ready in 30 minutes (with only 10 minutes of hands-on time). This gluten-free one-pot meal can be served as a wholesome dinner and are perfect for cold nights.
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Khichdi Recipes

Khichdi or khichri is an Indian-style risotto made using lentils and grains (mostly rice). This one-pot meal is made with vegetables and spices. It is very comforting and filling and can be served for lunch, dinner, and breakfast. The rice in the khichdi is often replaced with other grains like millet.

Khichdi is also popularly called the National dish of India, and every state has its own variation. Here are some recipes of khichdi made with petite yellow lentils along with either rice, millet, or cracked wheat.

Kitchari / Khichdi

Kitchari.
Kitchari or khichdi is a hearty and nourishing dish that is rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Made with a blend of rice, lentils, and warming spices, this gluten-free meal can be cooked in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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Ven Pongal (Khara Pongal)

Ven Pongal with ghee.
Ven pongal or khara pongal is a classic South Indian dish made with rice and moong dal (petite yellow lentils). This one-pot dish can be served for breakfast or lunch/dinner. It has a porridge-like consistency and is mildly spiced.
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Dalia Khichdi

Instant Pot dalia khichdi.
Dalia khichdi is a one-pot meal that combines the goodness of broken wheat, lentils, and aromatic spices. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, this recipe ensures a perfectly cooked and wholesome dish in no time. Instant Pot Dalia Khichdi can be enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast, lunch, or dinner option.
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Millet Khichdi

Instant Pot millet khichdi.
Millet khichdi is a flavorful variation of the classic Indian khichdi. This one-pot meal is loaded with vegetables of your choice, making it a wholesome option that's perfect for the whole family.
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Desserts with Dal

Here are some lentil-based desserts that are unique and very easy to make. Using your Instant Pot to create these authentic-tasting desserts saves a lot of time and energy. Each recipe is tried and tested and includes all the tips you need to make them. They are perfect for festivals, celebrations, and gatherings.

Moong Dal Halwa

moong dal halwa
Moong dal halwa is a decadent dessert made with split mung bean (or petite yellow lentils), sugar, and ghee. Rich and warm halwa with ghee oozing from the sides and topped with nuts is perfect for your celebrations and festivals like Diwali.
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Moong Dal Payasam

lentils payasam.
Moong dal payasam or kheer is an easy and delicious South Indian sweet dish made with petite yellow lentils. This traditional dish is made with coconut milk and sweetened using jaggery.
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Chana Dal Payasam

rice chana dal kheer.
Easy and delicious chana dal payasam is made using Bengal gram, rice, and jaggery. This refined sugar-free sweet is perfect for festivals and celebrations. Making it in the Instant Pot saves time and gives perfect taste and texture.
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Sweet Pongal

sweet pongal.
Sweet Pongal is a refined-sugar-free dessert made using rice, moong dal, and jaggery as the main ingredients.
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Recipe card

Instant Pot chana dal.

Instant Pot Chana Dal

Instant Pot Chana Dal is a flavorful and nutritious dish made with split chickpeas. This creamy dal is naturally gluten-free and vegan. The combination of chana dal and fragrant spices creates a delightful lentil curry that can be enjoyed with rice, bread, or as a standalone meal.
5 from 62 votes
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Author: Shilpa Kerur
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups split chickpeas chana dal
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ inch ginger minced
  • 1 green chili slit lengthwise
  • 2 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust as per taste
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ lemon or lime
  • 2 tablespoon cilantro
  • 3 cups water

Spices:

Extra tempering (optional):

Instructions

  • Wash the chana dal thoroughly. Soak it in clean water for 20 minutes. Drain all the water from it and rinse the soaked dal in fresh water.
  • Set the Instant Pot in saute mode and add oil. Once it heats, add the cumin seeds and hing.
  • Once the cumin seeds begin to splutter, add onion, ginger, garlic, and green chili. Saute for 3-4 minutes, until the onions being to soften.
  • Add the tomato, coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Saute for 2 minutes.
  • Add the soaked dal and 3 cups of water. Give it a good stir.
  • Cancel saute mode and set the Instant Pot on pressure cook for 12 minutes. Do 10 minutes of NPR, then do a quick release remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid and add garam masala, cilantro, and lemon/lime juice. Mix well.
  • The dal can be served at this stage or you can make an extra tempering before serving.
  • To make the second tempering, heat one teaspoon of oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chili, curry leaves, and chili powder. Mix well and saute for a few seconds.
  • Pour on the dal and serve hot.

Video

Notes

A quick soak of 15-20 minutes is sufficient when making this dal in an Instant Pot. However, if you are planning to make it on the stovetop, soak it for at least 4-5 hours (or overnight). Once the dal is soaked, it is important to rinse it thoroughly in running water. This will remove any ground bits of dal and prevent the final dish from becoming too mushy.
This dal often tastes even better when it sits for a while, allowing the flavors to meld. You can make it in advance or make a larger batch and reheat it later.
Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 182mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 3mg
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